we should first look at the situation of democracy in venezuela before chavez. we cannot speak about a very strong democracy before 1999. if we take democracy only as electoral successes, then there is no doubt about it. if we take it as different powers, freedom of speech, a plurality of pluralism, then there are a lot of doubts about democracy and the quality of democracy in venezuela. >> there was a strong show of support today for chavez. he is quite popular still, but if he does not get better, how can his followers follow his policies? >> it would be very difficult because charisma is very important and has been very important for chavez during his whole presidency, but at least today, his role is very strong and said the venezuelan state, so for a few years, it should be no problem for the government to continue even without chavez. >> thank you for that. germany's justice minister has criticized the country's catholic church for halting its investigation into a sex abuse scandal, saying attempts to clear up the allegations should not be a half-hearted af